Cherry Blossom Season and Philadelphia Taiko Center

The Philadelphia Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is right around the corner, from March 23-April 21. Events around the city include performances by the Tamagawa Taiko Drum group, the Blossom Bash, Sakura Sunday (our favorite), and kabuki theater performances for the first time ever.

Matt has established the Philadelphia Taiko Center and is teaching taiko drum lessons at the Asian Arts Initiative. So far the classes are a success, and this is a perfect way to get in the mood for cherry blossom season! He is teaching a special introductory level class on March 24th. You can visit Philadelphia Taiko Center on Facebook for more information, or see below.

Taiko classes are held at 1223 Vine Street, in the Asian Arts Initiative. Introductory classes are scheduled for 9:30 – 11:00 on Saturday mornings. Beginner adults runs from 11:00 – 12:30 Saturdays. Participation in the intro class or instructor ok is required for beginners and beyond classes. Email taikomatt@gmail.com for more information and registration details. Cost of class is $55/month (typically four classes every month). Follow Philadelphia Taiko Center on twitter: @PhillyTaiko

Roppongi Hills, Tokyo

On a recent trip to Japan I scheduled in a trip to Roppongi Hills, an upscale space in a gaijin-centric part of Tokyo. I had avoided The Hills when I lived in Tokyo but decided that as a tourist I really should check it out.

The Star Wars-like architecture of Roppongi Hills boasts open spaces, stone walls, wind tunnels, and space age design. The area didn’t win me over, but I’m glad I finally saw it and got to laugh at the boutiques of plastic bags selling for over $100.

We took the Minato City bus to the Hills from the apartment but walked back (a few miles, 7 miles total all day)

Timing: Got bus at 10:30, arrived Azabu Juban at 11:00
Cost: 100 yen per person (one way)
Time elapsed: 5 hours
Walked home: free
Accomplished: omiyage shopping, gawking at Roppongi Hills, walking on a 65-degree day in February
Breakfast: Starbucks, 900 yen
Lunch: bakery, 1000 yen

Meiji Jingu Wedding

I’ve been trying to figure out how to use my iMovie Application and so far I have figured out how to edit the beginnings/ends and add titles. Progress! Here is my latest project from our trip to Japan in February, a wedding at Meiji Jingu in Harajuku.